Muffin Tray Monoprinting
A colourful field of cupcakes.
The Set Up
Using actual baking tools in art always feels right! The set-up is simple and familiar, which frees everyone up to focus on colour mixing and play rather than instructions.
I first came across this idea on Barbara Rucci’s blog, Art Bar. Her approach to process art has shaped Smudge in a big way, especially that gentle reminder to set things up well and then step back.
Flip muffin trays upside down so the circles are raised. Pour poster paint into jars and add a little white to each colour (it makes everything feel brighter and more delicious). Think icing tones, bakery windows, trays lined up and ready.
The Making
Load up the circles with brushes, sponges, rollers, or fingertips. Paint can stay neatly separated or be mixed straight on the tray. Both work beautifully, and watching the colours swirl and meet is half the joy.
Lay a sheet of A3 paper over the top and press down firmly with your hands, or flip the tray onto the paper in one confident movement. Peel it back and reveal a whole tray of prints in one go. It always feels good.
You can print again straight away, rotate the paper, or layer another pass over the top.
Variations
Liquid watercolours create a softer, more translucent print.
Rotate the paper and print again so the circles overlap and build up layers.
Line finished prints up side by side to create a bakery-style display.
Materials
Muffin trays
Poster paint with a little white added
Jars or containers
Brushes, sponges, or rollers
A3 paper or larger
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Muffin Tray Monoprinting
A colourful field of cupcakes.
Bookmark
Print Making
The Set Up
Using actual baking tools in art always feels right! The set-up is simple and familiar, which frees everyone up to focus on colour mixing and play rather than instructions.
I first came across this idea on Barbara Rucci’s blog, Art Bar. Her approach to process art has shaped Smudge in a big way, especially that gentle reminder to set things up well and then step back.
Flip muffin trays upside down so the circles are raised. Pour poster paint into jars and add a little white to each colour (it makes everything feel brighter and more delicious). Think icing tones, bakery windows, trays lined up and ready.
The Making
Load up the circles with brushes, sponges, rollers, or fingertips. Paint can stay neatly separated or be mixed straight on the tray. Both work beautifully, and watching the colours swirl and meet is half the joy.
Lay a sheet of A3 paper over the top and press down firmly with your hands, or flip the tray onto the paper in one confident movement. Peel it back and reveal a whole tray of prints in one go. It always feels good.
You can print again straight away, rotate the paper, or layer another pass over the top.
Variations
Liquid watercolours create a softer, more translucent print.
Rotate the paper and print again so the circles overlap and build up layers.
Line finished prints up side by side to create a bakery-style display.
Materials
Muffin trays
Poster paint with a little white added
Jars or containers
Brushes, sponges, or rollers
A3 paper or larger
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
